Whether you’re a full-blown foodie or just someone tired of boring bagged sandwiches and fast food while on the road, these are some of the best places to pull over and feast while road-tripping along BC’s Gold Rush Trail—a region renowned for its great eats.
LEG 1 – NEW WESTMINSTER TO HOPE
Step back in time and enjoy a leisurely few hours at the Kilby Historic Site. After you’ve explored the 1906 General Store Museum, the heritage Post Office and the Manchester House Hotel, stop by the Kilby Cafe and enjoy a soup, sandwich, or incredible homemade pie in the quaint home-style café, featuring 1900s music and a cozy atmosphere.
Next time you’re in Hope or on your way through the Fraser Canyon, skip the fast food restaurants and stop by Hope Mountain Cafe. Five things we love about this place: all-day breakfast, exceptional coffee, an aesthetically pleasing ambience, plenty of indoor and outdoor patio seating, and an extremely diverse food menu with tons of gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Along with tasty beers, ciders, and wine, Hope’s Mountainview Brewing Co. offers more than just yummy drinks and a fun ambience. Conveniently located just off the highway, stop by the industrial-style taproom and dog-friendly patio, where you’ll find a long list of comfort food bites. PS. the flatbreads are our fave!
LEG 2 – HOPE TO LYTTON
If you are a big fan of affordable, truckstop-style cafes with large portions and friendly service, this is a must-stop. Somewhere Else Cafe is located on Highway 1 just after Hope in the picturesque Dogwood Valley, and is also a convenient stop to fuel up with gas.
Old Towne Inne Chuckwagon Bar & Grill
With vintage western-inspired decor, the Old Towne Inne Chuckwagon Bar & Grill offers over 21 types of burgers along with an all-you-can-eat soup station and other comfort food meals. Just want to stop in for a drink? Pull up a stool at the saloon bar!
LEG 3 – LYTTON TO HISTORIC HAT CREEK VIA SPENCES BRIDGE OR LYTTON TO HISTORIC HAT CREEK VIA LILLOOET
A true hidden gem in the small community of Spences Bridge, The Packing House is a heritage coffee house with an oasis-like outdoor patio, making it a perfect choice for great eats on the Gold Rush Trail. Among the raving TripAdvisor and Google reviews, there are many compliments on the charming decor and the kind, small-town service.
Located at— you guessed it— the junction of Highway 1 and 97 in Cache Creek, Junctions Coffee House is a small yet trendy café serving up the freshest coffee and bread. If you need a pick-me-up while on the road, we highly suggest supporting this local business.
Horsting’s Farm Market is a family-owned and operated produce farm spanning over 85 acres near Cache Creek. Along with a farmer’s market where you can purchase fresh produce to go, they also have a garden centre and a bakery & café where you’ll be treated to farm-to-table cuisine
LEG 4 – LILLOOET TO BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY
Bearfoot Grill at Xwisten Experience Tours
Located in Lillooet on the St’át’imc (Stat-lee-m) First Nations’ traditional Bridge River fishing grounds, you can enjoy an award-winning guided tour of the archaeological Xwisten Experience Tours village site, fishing rocks, and a salmon drying and prepping demonstration. Whether you partake in the tour or not, be sure to stop by for great eats on this highlight of the Gold Rush Trail and try some homemade bannock from the onsite Bearfoot Grill.
Abundance Artisan Bakery and Cafe
For all your coffee and baking needs—whether it’s savory or sweet pastries, cakes, pies, tarts, rolls, seasonal treats, or freshly baked bread—head to Abundance Artisan Bakery. If the cozy ambiance and aromatic smells inside are just too delicious to resist, step out onto the patio and soak up the spectacular mountain views of Lillooet.
Locally sourced and impeccably delivered, dining at Tyax Lodge is a 5-star experience. With a changing menu that depends on their on-site garden and local suppliers, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the creative culinary options. And if the food alone isn’t enough to convince you to visit, perhaps their expansive outdoor patio overlooking the lake will.
LEG 5 – HISTORIC HAT CREEK TO LOGAN LAKE
More than just a cozy tea house, Ashcroft’s UniTea Cafe & Lounge doubles as a licensed live music venue showcasing talented musicians from all over the province. Stop by for a wide variety of drinks, plus Mexican, Greek, and comfort food dishes.
If you’re looking to combine an attraction with your stop for great eats on the Gold Rush Trail, definitely pay a visit to Historic Hat Creek Ranch. Not only does the Ranch offer a rare opportunity to explore the original buildings and learn the stories of Gold Rush travellers from the 1860s, but their large restaurant and sundeck, paired with a yummy breakfast and lunch menu, make it the perfect place to grab a bite.
LEG 6 – HISTORIC HAT CREEK TO 150 MILE HOUSE
Calling the small but mighty town of Clinton home, The Junction Coffee House roasts some of the best coffee found along the Gold Rush Trail. It’s the perfect place to stop for great eats, stretch your legs after a day of driving, and wander around the cute town while you sip on something satisfying from Junction.
The Sugar Shack
Located directly off the highway just after 70 Mile House, the Sugar Shack is THE place for authentic Quebec-inspired food in the South Cariboo! Try their mouth-watering poutine, smoked meat sandwich, or stock up on maple syrup and other delicacies for your journey ahead. You can learn more about the story of the Sugar Shack here.
With two separate locations in 100 Mile House, just 8 minutes from one another, Farrier Pub and The Eatery both have exceptional menus and offer relaxed but sophisticated dining experiences in the South Cariboo. Stop by for a happy hour drink and delicious meal.
If you’re travelling the Gold Rush Trail on a Friday, be sure to attend the South Cariboo Farmers’ Market in 100 Mile House. With a great variety of vendors, live music, and delicious local food, the market runs from 9 am to 2 pm throughout the summer until September.
Described as the most cheerful place in 100 Mile House, Rise And Grind Coffee House is your go-to spot for all your cozy café needs. Enjoy freshly baked goods and delicious coffee—it’s a far better option than a drive-thru!
Rusty Iron Coffee Co. is a gorgeous log cabin coffee shop with stunning views of 108 Mile Lake. Located beside the 108 Mile Heritage Site, we highly suggest stopping here after checking out the site. Sip while you savour the views and their cozy log cabin decor.
Happening every August in Lac La Hache, the South Cariboo Garlic Festival is the go-to place for all things garlic. Featuring live music, kids’ entertainment, vendors, and “Garlina” the mascot, it promises to be a “Stinkin’ Good Time!
LEG 7 – 150 MILE HOUSE TO BARKERVILLE HISTORIC TOWN & PARK
For craft beer brewed in the heart of Cariboo Country, visit Fox Mountain Brewing Co. With German-influenced beers and a menu with great eats mostly inspired by Mexican cuisine, this Williams Lake watering hole is a must-stop if you’re in this area of the Gold Rush Trail.
Open Monday through Friday, The Bean Counter Bistro is another locally-owned coffee shop worth visiting. Connected to the Williams Lake library, it’s a great spot to connect to Wi-Fi if you need to catch up on emails while on the road.
Named after Barkerville Historic Town & Park and the legendary gold prospector Billy Barker, Barkerville Brewing Co. in Quesnel is a must-visit for beer lovers. This entirely gold rush-themed brewery—from its decor to the beer names and local ingredients—not only offers delicious beer and a welcoming atmosphere but also provides a taste of the region’s rich gold rush history.
LEG 10 – WELLS TO BOWRON LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Whether you decide to stay the night or not, a visit to The Wells Hotel is a great choice when you’re travelling along the Gold Rush Trail. Enjoy a meal at their Pooley Street Cafe, which serves delicious eats and locally sourced dishes with meats smoked on-site and artisan breads from Barkerville’s Goldfield Bakery. Alternatively, visit their on-site pub stocked with over 50 different kinds of beer and western Canada’s largest privately owned Single Malt Scotch collection, featuring over 300 varieties. Together, The Wells Hotel is a must-stop for great eats with a relaxed vibe.
Ideally perched on the edge of Jack of Clubs Lake along the Barkerville Highway, Jack o Clubs Taco Club serves delicious and authentic Mexican food. Treat yourself to tacos, burritos, cinnamon-y sweet churros, or ice cream, and top it off with a refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade while enjoying nature and Wells’ famous scenic lake. Please note that this is a seasonal operation, running only until September.
Barkerville Historic Town & Park
You’re sure to be hungry after spending the day (or two!) exploring Barkerville Historic Town & Park. Thankfully, there are four unique food options to satisfy your cravings. If you’re wondering where the aroma of sourdough and fresh baking is wafting from, head to Goldfield Bakery. For something heartier, the Wake-Up Jake Restaurant offers a full menu of old-style favorites, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and children’s specials. For authentic Chinese food, the Lung Duck Tong Restaurant is a must! Finally, if sweets are what you’re after, House Hotel Coffee Saloon offers exceptional root beer, ice cream, and other goodies, including Barkerville Brewery beer on tap. Please note that these establishments are open only until the first week of September.
With so many places for great eats along the Gold Rush Trail, each stop promises to satisfy your cravings and curiosity. Whether you’re indulging in delicious meals or savoring local flavours, the diverse culinary offerings will leave you wanting more!